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Akhada

Bhavuk Pandita
Bhavuk Pandita

The document provides an overview of the Guru Hanuman Akhada, a wrestling arena (akhada) established in 1925 in Old Delhi that is renowned for producing champion wrestlers. It discusses the history of akhadas dating back thousands of years as religious warrior training grounds. The akhada follows a disciplined daily routine of physical training and a spartan lifestyle focused on building strength and endurance through practices like kushti wrestling to compete internationally.

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BODY TEMPLE
Strength, Endurance and Discipline. Indian akhadas have been home to strongmen, warriors and ascetics since millennia. Shaped over the ages by religion and the flow of cultural influences, the akhada has kept pace with the times while holding dear its core values under the guidance of the Guru. Come take a peek into this fascinating temple dedicated to the body.
The Guru Hanuman Akhada, named after the legendary wrestling coach, was established in 1925. Situated in the Old Delhi region, the epicenter of Indian wrestling is famed for producing some of Indias finest wrestlers who have been felicitated in India, Japan, England and America.
Literally meaning "wrestling arena", the history of the akhada dates back to the circa 2500 BC when Adi Shankaracharya established seven Akhadas. The basic purpose behind setting up of akhadas was to form a band of religious warriors (Dharma Sainiks) who would protect and safeguard the Dharma from social evils.
Under the tutelage of Dronacharya Awardee Maha Singh Rao(reading newspaper) from Chirawa, Rajasthan, the akhada gets to work from early in the morning. The aspiring wrestlers work hard, keeping their eyes fixed on the gold medals. Pehelwans work the Mitti using the practice of Sawari and prepare it for Kushti.
Mental (real name Roshan Singh) , 19, left home in Manipur and came to the akhada with dreams of competing internationally. Although I was training in Manipur, I did not find the environment as encouraging as it is here.
A combination of Pachhaad, Daon and Phenk, Kushti tests the human body and the mind in its alertness to counter the opponent and emerge victorious.
Wrestlers hold the mitti of the akhada in the highest regard. So much that when the Guru Hanuman Akhada was offered bigger facilities and a new compound, the wrestlers refused to budge because they consider the mitti of the akhada blessed.
Constantly devoted to the development of their physiques, Pehelwans truly are symbols of narcissism. Their devotion to their regimens makes them penultimate specimens of human endurance and strength.
Vyayam or physical training is meant to build up muscle strength and flexibility.
The concept of Akhada inculcates a sense of discipline, self-reliance and commensality in the wrestlers. All the residents of the Akhada are responsible for their own chores and the aspect of living together breeds in them a sense of camaraderie.
Sandeep Kumar, 25, from Asauda, Haryana has been training in the Akhada since the last 9 years. All our attention goes towards taking care of our bodies. It is our only instrument. Medals, fame and glory are only enjoyed as long as a wrestler is fit enough to enjoy them. Injuries are a big risk in our sport. He has not been fighting for the past 6 months due to a knee injury.
Almonds, milk and ghee form the holy trinity of their sattvik diet. These are had with protein rich milk early in the mornings as part of their Khorak-e-Pehelwani.
The Pehelwans live a simple life but they are constantly surrounded by symbols of achievement and glory.
The amenities may be rudimentary, they may live out of their trunks. But the joy of kushti draws over 200 aspiring wrestlers from all parts of the country.
Although Kushti takes the majority of the wrestlers time, they still try to accommodate little indulgences and past-times. Vikas Chowdary, 17, loves following cricket and would rather skip exercise than a match.
Rope climbing is essential for gaining pulling strength required in kushti
MACJ(P) PHOTO JOURNALISM WORKSHOP Credits Aban Usmani Pavan Nagasampagi Rohit Pandita Sidrah Fatma Talha Bin Ehtasham

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Akhada

  • 2. Strength, Endurance and Discipline. Indian akhadas have been home to strongmen, warriors and ascetics since millennia. Shaped over the ages by religion and the flow of cultural influences, the akhada has kept pace with the times while holding dear its core values under the guidance of the Guru. Come take a peek into this fascinating temple dedicated to the body.
  • 3. The Guru Hanuman Akhada, named after the legendary wrestling coach, was established in 1925. Situated in the Old Delhi region, the epicenter of Indian wrestling is famed for producing some of Indias finest wrestlers who have been felicitated in India, Japan, England and America.
  • 4. Literally meaning "wrestling arena", the history of the akhada dates back to the circa 2500 BC when Adi Shankaracharya established seven Akhadas. The basic purpose behind setting up of akhadas was to form a band of religious warriors (Dharma Sainiks) who would protect and safeguard the Dharma from social evils.
  • 5. Under the tutelage of Dronacharya Awardee Maha Singh Rao(reading newspaper) from Chirawa, Rajasthan, the akhada gets to work from early in the morning. The aspiring wrestlers work hard, keeping their eyes fixed on the gold medals. Pehelwans work the Mitti using the practice of Sawari and prepare it for Kushti.
  • 6. Mental (real name Roshan Singh) , 19, left home in Manipur and came to the akhada with dreams of competing internationally. Although I was training in Manipur, I did not find the environment as encouraging as it is here.
  • 7. A combination of Pachhaad, Daon and Phenk, Kushti tests the human body and the mind in its alertness to counter the opponent and emerge victorious.
  • 8. Wrestlers hold the mitti of the akhada in the highest regard. So much that when the Guru Hanuman Akhada was offered bigger facilities and a new compound, the wrestlers refused to budge because they consider the mitti of the akhada blessed.
  • 9. Constantly devoted to the development of their physiques, Pehelwans truly are symbols of narcissism. Their devotion to their regimens makes them penultimate specimens of human endurance and strength.
  • 10. Vyayam or physical training is meant to build up muscle strength and flexibility.
  • 11. The concept of Akhada inculcates a sense of discipline, self-reliance and commensality in the wrestlers. All the residents of the Akhada are responsible for their own chores and the aspect of living together breeds in them a sense of camaraderie.
  • 12. Sandeep Kumar, 25, from Asauda, Haryana has been training in the Akhada since the last 9 years. All our attention goes towards taking care of our bodies. It is our only instrument. Medals, fame and glory are only enjoyed as long as a wrestler is fit enough to enjoy them. Injuries are a big risk in our sport. He has not been fighting for the past 6 months due to a knee injury.
  • 13. Almonds, milk and ghee form the holy trinity of their sattvik diet. These are had with protein rich milk early in the mornings as part of their Khorak-e-Pehelwani.
  • 14. The Pehelwans live a simple life but they are constantly surrounded by symbols of achievement and glory.
  • 15. The amenities may be rudimentary, they may live out of their trunks. But the joy of kushti draws over 200 aspiring wrestlers from all parts of the country.
  • 16. Although Kushti takes the majority of the wrestlers time, they still try to accommodate little indulgences and past-times. Vikas Chowdary, 17, loves following cricket and would rather skip exercise than a match.
  • 17. Rope climbing is essential for gaining pulling strength required in kushti
  • 18. MACJ(P) PHOTO JOURNALISM WORKSHOP Credits Aban Usmani Pavan Nagasampagi Rohit Pandita Sidrah Fatma Talha Bin Ehtasham